Opinions on this neck crack?

**Blackbird** · #1 12-08-2011, 10:46 AM

Hi, Everyone.

I just received a very nice David King bass purchased off evilbay and found that the neck had a crack near the headstock on the treble side (yes, this particular David King bass has a headstock). When contacted, the seller said that it probably happened during shipping of which I'm somewhat skeptical, but cannot prove otherwise.

I won't have time to take it to a luthier until the end of the week, but thought some of you might have a visual opinion. You can see it pretty easily in the picture below.

Thanks.

mongo2 · #2 12-08-2011, 10:52 AM

As Elvis might say...Return to sender.

bluesrx · #3 12-08-2011, 10:55 AM

Did the seller provide pics of the back of the neck prior to the sale? Whenever I buy a bass off *bay, I asked specific questions and ask to see as many pics as I need to see until I feel comfortable enough to make a bid on the bass. I always ask for back and front of neck, headstock, and body. If I see something that looks questionable I ask for a close up. If the seller can't or won't provide the requested pics... I walk.

bluesrx · #4 12-08-2011, 10:57 AM

Oh... I'd be returning it.

john grey · #5 12-08-2011, 02:06 PM

Realistically a good guy can repair most anything given enough equipment, time, and money. That being said why pay MORE than what you had already? IF you got a FANTASTIC deal, perhaps it's worth it but if not - return it and call the guy's bluff & describe what happened in his "score" - too many people never note when they are lied to & I think that a "shipping crack" is a lie.

From the distance of the picture it appears to be a peal of the laminate which would not occur without additional cracking as in a sever blow. I noticed that the crack didn't extend to the neck / head-stock. Unless there is a hairline crack into the other laminates (I see what MAY appear to be just that: but I could be wrong) and then you WOULD have a much larger repair!
This (superficially) appears to be a "half & half" manufacturing flaw. Unless there are significant impact marks on the head-stock, I doubt it could occur in any common manner during shipping, unless it was shipped in a paper bag.
It could be repaired - without doubt; but in such a situation there may be other issues as well. I - frankly, would return it unless you love it enough to be willing to pay an additional $75+ on top of what you had payed and are willing to gamble that there are not other manufacturing issues. His response and the problem are "red-flag" issues of someone dumping a problem Bass on someone else.
IF the neck itself is also cracked, you have a real problem & many repair people will shy from making any commitments.

frianbisher · #6 12-08-2011, 08:16 PM

First see if you could return it, and if that doesn't work it is actually pretty easy to fix. And if it were in my shop I would only bill you for about $40 but prices vary. It's less than an hour of work.

**Blackbird** · #7 12-09-2011, 09:47 AM

Thanks for all replies, guys. No, the seller conspicuously did not provide a picture from that angle. By the way, BluesRX, I like your avatar.

Considering the cost of a new DK bass, the price I paid was very reasonable. I have contacted David King and shown him the same pictures. He has offered to repair any structural, electrical and mechanical issues for what I would consider a nominal fee, so nominal in fact, that the cost of shipping the bass both ways will probably be higher than the repair costs. I am happy to pay for this kind of service. It's hard to come by these days.

Thanks for all your help, everyone. I'll update this thread when I get the bass back.